Copper Ridge

A frontier city built at the bottom of a canyon. The original frontier town was built by Quinn "Long-Shot" Butler and their wagon-train of settlers in the early 900's 6A. Having watered their animals at the spring at the bottom of this canyon, they decided this was a good enough location to build a home. It soon became a hub for wagon trains, and it has only expanded greatly since then with the discovery of copper under the canyon's colorful stone. However, most of that expansion has been by way of tiered shantytowns building out and up along the canyon's cliffsides, as the copper mine had exponential success, only to lose its vein before the mine could establish itself.   A large city with a depressed economy due to sheer overpopulation. The majority of the population are poor, whereas what little wealth remains lies in the hands of the merchant and governing minorities. The city is overall so poor, that it uses a copper standard for currency, and currently values 1 oz of gold nugget or flakes at 3,000 copper pieces. The council is currently trying to find ways to get people to move on or gain productive occupation in the city. Most structures seem unsound, or are in poor condition. Windows are often cracked, if not boarded up altogether. Walls are stained and the streets are lined with wagon ruts.   Main Street houses some of the most prominent businesses in Copper Ridge, and it is clear that these are the oldest and fanciest buildings in all of Copper Ridge. At one end lies the Sherriff's office and Town Hall, with its statue of the town's founder prominently displayed out front. Along Main Street are many businesses, among which are the Iron Horse Saloon, Doctor Rhodes' Barber& Surgery, and the Nimbus Hotel. Opposite Town Hall, the other end of Main Street ends in front of the Church of Zivaria and the schoolhouse. Many other side streets have been built up, but it is clear that the farther one gets away from Main Street, the poorer the businesses and residences are, and the cheaper and weaker the structures are, until one finds themselves in nothing but rickety, climbing shanties stacked upon each other as they continue vertically along the canyon walls.   Copper Ridge doesn't have much in the way of an organized city guard force. The sherrif and deputy are the main law enforcement, but if needs must, a "peasant" militia can be raised from the locals. Petty disputes are settled among civilians, and the sherriff will intervene when serious crimes are committed. Members of the city council serve as judges for legal proceedings and trials. Crime is about average for a town this size - theft or minor violence can happen from time to time. Best to keep an eye out.   A lively town nonetheless, there is little difference between day and night traffic. There are always people on the streets, and it sometimes seems like no one ever sleeps. Most shops and services remain open late.   A Church to Zivaria was built here early on, but the fervency of the local following is pretty subtle these days, with followers of the faith remaining very reserved.   The council is investing in a coal powered railroad via the Rusty Rail Railroad Company, in direct competition to the New World Station, who is building a magical powered railroad. The proposed railway is intended to connect Crossings Cave, Copper Ridge, Rattlecreek and Z'Veena. Currently, tracks have been lain from Crossings Cave to Copper Ridge, but until the station is built, no train can travel along the shortline.